STUDENTS in the West Midlands were today opening their A-Level results amid continued controversy over falling exam standards.

Pass rates have increased nationally for 23 consecutive years and 2006 is expected to see another rise in the number of students scoring good grades.

Last year 22.8 per cent of A-Level exam entries were awarded A grades and today's results are expected to be even better.

A survey of 50 UK university admissions officers found four out of 10 thought rising pass rates were because the exams system was "getting easier".

Last year, a Government review recommended replacing A-Levels and GCSEs with a new diploma style system. Ministers rejected the plan from former chief schools inspector Sir Mike Tomlinson.

Schools minister Jim Knight today rounded on critics, saying students should be allowed to enjoy the fruits of their work.

Mr Knight said: "Every year we get the same old tired assertions about A-Level standards supposedly being lower.

"While I don't agree with the critics, it is of course right that we debate standards -but let's do that on another day."

The University and College Union, representing lecturers, backed a move to a diploma system instead of A-Levels but UCU joint general secretary Sally Hunt said: "Both the pupils and their teachers should be congratulated for all the hard work they have done. How unfortunate the achievements of these pupils are over-shadowed every year by a debate that denigrates their achievements."

Gary Hughes, President of Birmingham University Guild of Students, said: "Debt and the fear of debt is keeping students that achieve from accessing higher education. The very worst thing we can do is ridicule the value of their qualification."